Gaza Commemorates Anti-apartheid Icon Desmond Tutu

Gaza, MINA – A ceremony was organised in the Gaza Strip on Monday to commemorate South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Desmond Tutu, Anadolu News Agency reports.

Organized by the Council of International Relations, a Gaza-based NGO, the ceremony was attended by a host of Palestinian and South African figures, including South Africa’s Ambassador, Shaun Edward Byneveldt.

Addressing the event via video-conference, Byneveldt said South Africa will continue to support the oppressed people living under occupation.

“Tutu was a spiritual leader who stood up against oppression and who campaigned for justice, equality and humanity,” he added as quoted from MEMO.

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Meanwhile Bassem Naim, the Head of the Council of International Relations, said Tutu was the first figure to accuse Israel of pursuing a policy of apartheid against the Palestinians in 2002.

A meeting hall in Gaza was named after Tutu in recognition of his support to the Palestinian people, according to the Gaza Municipality Mayor, Yahya El-Sarraj.

In 2009, Tutu joined a delegation of the international NGO “the Elders” on a visit to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories to advocate for peace.

Tutu passed away at the age of 90 on 26 December, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of anti-apartheid struggle and fight for peace. (T/RE1)

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)